1842: Getting Away With Murder in Bath New Hampshire

Posted on 10 July, 2008 by Janice Brown

On September 9, 1842, Adaline (Tenney) Comings, wife of William F., and mother of Emeline and Adaline Comings was found dead at the foot of her bed.  Around her neck was her own handkerchief, tied in a “halter knot.” The other end of the handkerchief was tied to the bed. Her head was dangling less than three feet from the floor.

Her husband William admitted that Adeline knew he had been unfaithful to her, and she was depressed. He said he had woken from a sound sleep and found her already dead.  The Court of Inquest ruled that Adeline Comings had committed suicide. But even so the townspeople did not offer him jobs, and his former lover wrote to him saying their affair was over.

And so, with no reason to stay in Bath, and more not to, William Comings moved to Rensselaerville, New York.  He did not attempt to hide his move there. Not long after, on 21 February 1843, he was arrested there, and returned for trial in New Hampshire.

In 1843 a Grand Jury at Plymouth NH indicted William Comings of strangling his wife, of hanging her with her own handkerchief, and of beating her. The country doctors called in to testify gave conflicting testimony–stating there were marks on Adaline’s body, while others  testified to the absence of marks or injuries. The jury eventually found Comings guilty of murder in the first degree.

For the following year William Comings appealed his case unsuccessfully. In 1844 when he went before a judge for sentencing, he again claimed his innocence. He was sentenced to be hanged. At this time in New Hampshire, the continuance of the death penalty was in question. The bill to abolish capital punishment was stuck in committee.  And so carrying out the death sentence was delayed.

By June 1853, after being in prison for nine years, William Comings was finally pardoned by the executive authority of the State of New Hampshire.  Mr. Comings went on to marry a second time, and he moved “out west.”

Did William Comings get away with murder?  Or in a strange twist of fate, did his wife truly commit suicide in a way that implicated her husband?

Janice

** PARTIAL CUMMINGS/COMINGS FAMILY TREE**

Samuel-5 Cummings, (John-4, John-3, John-2, Isaac-1) married 2 Oct 1741 Sarah Spalding, dau of Dea. Andrew & Abigail Spalding of Westford MA. She b. 9 June 1723. He died in Cornish NH 6 June 1796 and she died in the same town 20 Nov 1801. The two oldest children were born in Westford MA, the remaining probably in Dunstable MA. In 1773 he bought land in Cornish NH not far from the Connecticut River.  He is buried in the old burying ground in Cornish NH.
Children of Samuel & Sarah (Spalding) Cummings:
1. Samuel Cummings, b. 18 Nov 1742 Westford MA
2. Abigail Cummings, b. 23 June 1744; possibly the Abigail who m. 2 Nov 1769 Thaddeus Cummings
3. Sarah Cummings, b. 18 May 1747 in Dunstable MA
4. Benjamin Cummings, b. 25/28 Dec 1749, d. 2 Oct 1754
5. Betsy Cummings, b. 28 June 1752 Dunstable MA; m. William Farris. She d. 22 Nov 1810
6. +Benjamin Cummings 2nd, b. 28/29 March 1755
7. Mary Cummings, b. 16 Dec 1757 in Dunstable MA; m. Ebenezer Fletcher. She d. 26 Feb 1812.
8. Andrew Cummings, b. 16 Feb 1761 Dunstable MA; d. 1 Oct 1775, unmarried
9. Warren Cummings, b. 16 Oct 1768 Dunstable MA

Benjamin-6 Comings,  b 28/29 March 1755;  married Mary Cooper. She was born 20 July 1753 He died 13/14 Apr 1813. She d. December 1843. They resided in Cornish NH, having received from his father a gift of land in that town.
Children of Benjamin & Mary (Cooper) Comings:
1. Peninnah Comings, b. 20 June 1777; m. 14 Dec 1800, Chester Weld. Had issue.
2. Samuel Comings, b 3 Nov 1778
3. Polly Comings, b. 17 Feb 1781; m. 1 March 1801 Luther Bingham, eldest son of Elias & Vashti (Elderkin) Bingham. He b. 5 Apr 1778 and d. 10 Dec 1846. She d. 30 Aug 1847. They resided in Morristown VT; had issue
4. Sherman Comings, b. 9 Jan 1783
5. Andrew Comings, b. 6 May 1785
6. +Fenno Comings, b. 21 March 1787
7. Benjamin Comings, b. 15 Apr 1789
8. Betty Comings, b. 3 Apr 1791; m. Moody Smith; She d. 17 Aug 1869; no children
9. Susan Comings, b. 14 Apr 1793; m. James Sperry, and his 2nd wife. She d. Dec 1863; had issue
10. boy, b. 13 Oct 1795, died same day
11. boy, b. 13 Oct 1795, died same day
12. Julia Robigne, b. 12 Apr 1799; m. 1817 Jacob Newell. She d. 2 May 1858. He was born in Jaffrey NH in 1792, a carpenter by trade, at Plattsburg NY; in the war of 1812 was a drum major and received a wound in his cheek. On account of ill health of Julia, the children were sent to be cared for by friends. [more in Cummings Memorial book]

Deacon Fenno-7 Comings, born 21 March 1787;  married 22 Nov 1810 to Rebecca Smart. She was b. 26 July 1788, dau of Caleb Smart who was b 3 May 1760 in New Market NH, and Catharine Black, born 7 Oct 1762 in Meredith NH. He was of Crydon NH and he died 24 Jan 1830. She married 2nd) Jan 1833 Rev. Jonathan Kinney of Plainfield VT who died 7 May 1838. She died in Berlin VT 10 Oct 1865.  Fenno Comings was a tanner and currier, who worked with his brother, Sherman Comings in Cornish NH, and Plainfield VT from after his marriage until 1815. He then continued in the same business in Berlin VT until he died.  During a sickness of several months, he and his family had the sympathy of the entire community.
Children of Deacon Fenno & Rebecca (Smart) Comings:
1. Peninnah Comings, b. 1 Dec 1811; d. 17 Apr 1813
2. a son b 31 Jan 1813, d. 1 Feb 1813
3. +William Freeman Comings, b. Jan 18, 1814
4. Mary Louisa Comings, b. 19 Jan 1816; m. 25 Sep 1836 Harry Hovey Dewey, a farmer in Berlin VT, b. 30 Dec 1809, son of Israel & Nancy (Hovey) Dewey, and a descendant of Thomas Dewey of Dorchester MA, 1633. Children: Lucia Louisa, Anna, Henry Harrison, John Calvin, Ursula Frances, Orrel Farris, Ednah, Fenno Lafayette, Erasmus Darwin, son dy, Hiram Smart,

*William Freeman-8 Comings*  b. 18 Jan 1814; m. May 1835 Adaline Tenney, daughter of John and Lucinda Tenney, born May 26, 1814 of Hanover NH, who died Sept. 9, 1842.  He married 2nd) 1852, Emaretta Humphrey of Croydon NH, dau of Nathaniel & Polly (Smart) Humphrey. By 1880 he was boarding in Argyle, Washington Co. NY, a widow.
Children of William F. &  Adaline (Tenney) Comings:
1. +Emeline Perley Comings, b. 28 Nov 1838 in Hanover NH
2. +Adaline Lucinda Comings, b. 22 Feb 1842 in Bath NH

Emeline Perley-9 Comings, (William Freeman-8, Fenno-7, Benjamin-6, Samuel-5, John-4, John-3, John-2, Isaac-1) b. 28 Nov 1838 in Hanover NH; m. 27 June 1858 Joel Eddy of Chester, Warren Co NY, and had dau. Florence.  In 1860 Joel S. Eddy (age 22 farmer, b. VT), Emelin P. Eddy (age 21, housewife, b. NH) and Florence E. Eddy (age 1, b. NY) were living in Chester, Warren Co. NY. She married 2d) Andrew Bailey, son of Capt. Cyrus and Hannah Bailey, born June 29, 1822 of Berlin VT. In 1880 Andrew and Emeline were living in Berlin, Washington Co. VT, he was a laborer, and she a dressmaker. Children of Joel & Emeline P. (Comings) Eddy:
1. +Florence Eddy, b. 23 March 1859 NY; m. Arthur L. Hewitt
Children of Andrew & Emeline P. (Comings) Bailey:
2. Ida Anosima Bailey, b. 10 Feb 1863 VT; m. 21 Oct 1891 in Berlin VT to Edward Martin McIntosh. He b. 1 May 1860 in Berlin VT and d. 1 March 1934 in Waitsfield VT. Had son Theron William McIntosh, b. 18 May 1899 in Northfield Vermont
3. Susan Francis Bailey, b. 24 Dec 1869 VT
4. Ada May Bailey, b. 21 Feb 1874 VT
5. Mary Emma “Myrtie” Bailey, b. 29 Feb 1880 VT

Florence-10 EDDY, (Emeline Perley-9 COMINGS, (William Freeman-8, Fenno-7, Benjamin-6, Samuel-5, John-4, John-3, John-2, Isaac-1), b. 23 March 1859 NY; m. Arthur L. Hewitt, he b. 24 Nov 1851 in Barre, Middlesex VT, son of Daniel and Mary H. (Wentworth) Hewitt. He was a teacher in Berlin VT, and in 1884 a member of the Vermont legislature. He was also the town clerk, and the superintendent of schools. Florence was still living in 1930 when she was living with her daughter Ethel and family.
———-
Census > U.S. Census > 1900 United States Federal Census > Vermont > Washington > Berlin > District 220
Hewitt, Arthur L. Head W M Nov 1851 48 married 21 yrs VT VT VT Farmer [m abt 1879]
Hewitt, Florence wife W F June 1859 40 married 21 yrs 5 ch 5 living NY VT VT
Hewitt, Arthur W. son W M June 1883 16 single VT VT NY at school
Hewitt, Harold R. son W M Nov 1888 11 single VT VT NY at school
Hewitt, Joel E. son W M Jan 1892 8 single VT VT NY at school
Hewitt, Ethel J. daughter W F July 1896 3 single VT VT NY at school
———-
Children of Arthur L. & Florence (Eddy) Hewitt:
1.?Daniel Denslow Hewitt, prob. b. between 1879-1882 in Berlin VT [b. 2 Feb 1881] [unverified, census states Florence had 5 children, Daniel may be the 5th].
2. Arthur Wentworth Hewitt, b. 22 June 1883 Berlin, Washington Co. VT; in 1910 living in Plainfield, Washington Co. VT with wife Nina L. (age 30 b VT). They married about 1908. Clergyman and author. In 1921 living in Plainfield VT and a member of the Vermont State
Board of Education; he died November 1971 in Riverton, Washingto Co. VT
3. Harold Rupert Hewitt, b. 6 Nov 1888 Berlin VT; d. May 1973 in Montpelier, Washington Co. VT; insurance clerk for National Life Insurance Co. in Montpelier VT; he married Ruby? Dors. In 1920 living in Montpelier VT with his wife, mother-in-law Flora Dors, and brother-in-law James Dors [in that census his name is mis-transcribed as Hewett]. His WWII Registration Card shows next of kin, Irene M. Hewitt. During WWI He was inducted on 15 July 1918 in Montpelier VT, in Tank Corps June 1917, overseas 9 Aug 1919, discharged 14 Aug 1919.
4. Joel E. Hewitt, b. Jan 1892 Berlin VT
5. Ethel J. Hewitt, b. July 1896 Berlin VT; m. John J. Clifford. He was b. 10 Nov 1890 in
Boston MA; They had children: Lena M., Florence E., Esther H., Madeline.

Adaline Lucinda-9 Comings/Cummings, (William Freeman-8, Fenno-7, Benjamin-6, Samuel-5, John-4, John-3, John-2, Isaac-1) b. 22 Feb 1842 in Bath NH; married 22 Nov 1860 Norman J. King, and died near Sheffield IL 19 Feb 1882. Mr. King was b 18 June 1836 in Corinth, Saratoga Co NY. He removed to Dakota 1885. In 1900 census he is living alone in Township 145/146 in Wells Co. North Dakota. He died 13 Apr 1911 in Carrington, North Dakota. He is probably the Norman King who enlisted at Horicon NY (Civil War) on 7 Aug 1862 at the age of 26 in Company D., 118th Infantry Regiment, discharged 27 June 1865 at Fort Monroe VA.
—————–
U.S. Census > 1870 United States Federal Census > New York > Essex > Minerva
King, Norman 34 M W Farm Hand 100 New York
King, Adaline 28 F W Keeping House Vermont
King, William 8 M W attend school New York
King, Ada 4 F W New York
—————–
U.S.Census > U.S. Census > 1880 United States Federal Census > Illinois > Bureau > Mineral > District 18
King, Norman J. W M 42 Farmer NY VT Mass
King, Adaline W F 38 wife home keeper NH NH VT
King, William W M 18 son farm hand NY NY NH
King, Ada R. W F 13 dau Farm Help NY NY NH
Mooney, Job S. W M 23 boarder Farmer ME VA Ohio
—————–
Children of Norman & Adaline L. (Comings) King:
1. William Freeman “Willie” King, b. April 24, 1862 NY; possibly he is the William F. King a lumberjack found in the 1920 and 1930 census of Minnesota married to a Chippewa Indian Lizzie, and with children George, Daniel, Lizebet/Lizzie, Allen, and Malvin/Melvin.
2. Ada R. King, b. Aug 6, 1866 Scroon Lake NY and d. 1947; she m. 22 Nov 1883 in Jamestown, North Dakota to Gustav/Gustaf Willhelm Kallberg. He b. 28 Apr 1863 in Kalsvik Sweden and d. 1942. In 1910 living in Carrington, Foster Co ND with his parents Peter J. & Catherin Kallberg (no ch living with them). In 1920 living in Carrington, Foster Co. North Dakota.

SOURCES:
1. The Cummings memorial, by George Mooar; New York; B.F. Cummings, 1903, page 500
2. From Homicide to Slavery: Studies in American Culture, by David Brion Davis; Published 1986, Oxford University Press
3. United States Census Records
4. Photograph taken from “Grappling With the Monster,” by T.S. Arthur, part of the Project
Gutenberg eBook Project

Posted in New Hampshire Men, New Hampshire Women | 5 Comments

New Hampshire Missing Places: East Weare Village

Posted on 8 July, 2008 by Janice Brown
Old postcard of East Weare VIllage

Old postcard of East Weare Village

East Weare was a village located in the eastern part of Weare, Hillsborough County New Hampshire.  According to Weare’s history books, this area included over 60 mostly farming families.  Lumbering and a toy shop were local industries.  East Weare also included a train depot, churches, a school and post office, garage, grocery store, lumber mills, grist mill, a Grange Hall, cemeteries, blacksmith shop and creamery. Continue reading →

Posted in N.H. Historical Markers, N.H. Missing Places | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Dunbarton New Hampshire’s Pioneer Educator in Ohio: Marianne (Parker) Dascomb ( 1810-1879)

Posted on 6 July, 2008 by Janice Brown

Marianne Parker, daughter of Dea. William & Martha (Tenney) Parker was born 1 July 1810 in  Dunbarton NH.


She was seventh of eight children. Her father died when she was four years old, causing great difficulties for the family.  She attended the Ipswich Academy (Young Ladie’s Seminar at Ipswich MA) and graduated in 1833, followed by teaching in Boscawen NH. Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy, New Hampshire Women | 3 Comments

A New Hampshire Fourth of July — 200 Years Ago

Posted on 4 July, 2008 by Janice Brown

Portsmouth, Tuesday, July 5, 1808–THE FOURTH OF JULY

This Glorious anniversary of American independence was celebrated by the Republicans in Portsmouth with all those joyful emotions which the love of liberty alone can inspire. The day was ushered in by the animating sound of bells, and the peal of cannon. A numerous band of brothers assembled at Jefferson-hall, and thence proceeded to Doctor Buckminster's meeting-house, where after a solemn religious exercise apposite to the occasion, by the reverend Pastor

–The Hon. Charles Cutts, Esq. read the declaration of American Independence, and made some pertinent and forcible reflections on the situation of the country. –George Washington Prescott, Esq. then, in an impressive manner, pronounced an oration replete with patriotic sentiments and good sense, and well calculated to awaken the energies, and to call forth the exertions of Republican in defence of those rights for which our fathers freely shed their blood. The Orator portrayed in glowing colours the excellency of those institutions which were intended to secure to us innumerable blessings; He reminded us of the danger of disunion, and of the solemn warning, given us by the father of this country–the great George Washington, equally to guard against the open and insidious designs of foreign foes and domestic incendiaries. He depicted most truly the conduct to those, who under the specious garb of federalism conceal a poison intended to destroy the political life of the nation; and be appealed to the honor of the people, to their magnanimity, to their love of country, and to all the tender feelings of Parents, and brothers, and friends, to preserve our national independence and the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and to perpetuate them to future generations.

Some excellent pieces of music were performed, and about 100 firm Republicans (among whom we noticed with pleasure that tried patriot and friend of his Country, His Excellency John Langdon, Esq.) proceeded to Davenport's large and elegant hall and surrounded the — board, the Hon. Jonathan Warner, Esq. presided as president, and Thomas Manning, Esq., as vice-president.

The scene was interesting!–amid the group were seen, here and there, the aged patriot, whose locks silvered with age, reminded the beholder that they had witnessed those days of peril, when in the cause of Liberty, privations, and extreme sufferings were endured without a murmur. These venerable men forgot for a moment that age was upon them. They remembered the days of youth, the noble struggle in which they engaged, and the glorious prize they obtained. Patriotism beamed on their countenance, and the virtuous enthusiasm pervaded every bosom.–the following TOASTS were given, accompanied by the cheering huzza and the roar of cannon:–

1. The 4th of July 1776.–The day which opened an asylum to persecuted liberty and pointed the way to our national Independence, may its remembrance unite us to a man against all foreign aggression, and animate us in the preservation of our dear bought rights.
2. The People of the United States,–Free, Sovereign, and Independent, may they never basely barter their freedom for paultry baubles, their sovereignty for filthy lucre, their independence for ignoble ease, nor their birth right for a mess of foreign pottage.
3. Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States.–When he quits his political labours, may the blessings of millions follow him in his retirement, and may his successor pursue with determined vigor the measures so happily commenced as the best and most sure means of our political salvation.
4. The Vice President of the United States.–He has been crowned with honors by a grateful country, may he never be covered with disgrace by a disorganizing Junto.
5. The Congress of the United States,–The measures they have adopted to provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity will meet the firm support of every friend to his Country.
6. The heads of Departments,–Their honesty, capacity and fidelity, will appal enemies without and traitors within.
7. The State of Newhampshire,–A bright Star in the Republican constellation, may she never be obscured by the dark clouds of faction.
8. Agriculture and Commerce–May the hardy son of Columbia plough the Ocean and land with equal freedom.
9. Manufactures and Mechanic Arts.–May they be encouraged for National Defence and National prosperity.
10. The Embargo–Peace, Commerce and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none–may we prefer a perpetual embargo to eternal disgrace.
11. The memory of Washington–Woe be unto those who call themselves his disciples, and do not the things which he has commanded them to do.
12. James Madison–the friend of Jefferson, and long tried Patriot–May a grateful people in due time delight to honor him and reward his faithful services with the greatest gift in their power.
13. The Servants of the People–May they inflexibly adhere to the welfare of their Country, untainted by foreign influence or private motives.
14. The Militia of the United States–May they be ever ready to defend the rights of their Country.
15. The Army and Navy of the United States,–May the flag of Union wave triumphant.
16. The Clergy,–May patriotism warm and illume their minds, may they faithfully adhere to theological functions, and not interfere with secular affairs.
17. The Daughters of Columbia–They need not aid of foreign ornaments, but are in native garments clad, adorned the most.

Source:
Headline: Portsmouth. Tuesday, July 5, 1808. the Fourth of July
Newspaper: New-Hampshire Gazette, published as The New Hampshire Gazette
Date: 07-05-1808; Volume: 8; Issue: 31; Page: 3;
Location: Portsmouth, New Hampshire  

Posted in Current Events, History, Military of New Hampshire | Leave a comment

You say Catsup, I say Ketchup

Posted on 2 July, 2008 by Janice Brown

Although today we think of a red tomato-based concoction, catsup in colonial days was quite different. Wild and dried meat and other dishes were flavored with a catsup made from fruit, mushrooms, and walnuts. Relish and mustard were additional home-made condiments.  Tomatoes didn’t appear in catsup until the 1830s.

I grew up saying and writing “ketchup” rather than “catsup.” Apparently this spelling of the term goes back to 1711, and the former has always been more prevalent in North America (as opposed to the U.K.)

A June 14, 1800 edition of the “United States Oracle,” published in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, noted among a number of foodstuffs, that Catsup” was available for sale.  Earlier editions of New Hampshire newspapers, i.e. March 1, 1796 edition of the New Hampshire Journal (Walpole, New Hampshire), and the March 8, 1796 issues of The Rising Sun (Keene, New Hampshire) deems the same product to be “ketchup.”

.WORKSHOP AT REMICK MUSEUM.

The Remick Museum in Tamworth, New Hampshire is offering a “Ketchup, Mustard, & Mayo Workshop” on July 5, 2008 from 10 Am to 12 Noon.  Learn how to prepare two types of ketchup that were commonplace in pre-19th century America–cranberry and cucumber.  Take a trip back in time and leave behind the tomato ketchup.  Learn to make mustard and mayonnaise as well.

The workshop fee is $20.00 and pre-pregistration is required. Materials are include din the fee. The workshop is designed for adults; young people age 16 and older are welcome with an accompanying adult.

The Museum can now take workshop registration over the phone using a credit card. To register, call (603) 323-7591 or (800) 686-6117.

The Remick Museum has many additional events planned, from Traditional Cooking Workshops for Children (August 23), to Hearthside Dinners where guests help to prepare meals using historic recipes and ingredients (July 19, August 16, October 4, November 22, December 13, and December 20). Visit their web site for more information.

Remick Museum is located at 58 Cleveland Road, Tamworth, NH.

Janice

“There shall thy favorite herbs and plants be found,
The cat-mint there shall shed its sweets around;
The savoury mushroom from the sod shall start,
And to the breeze its catsup sweets impart.”
–Portsmouth Journal of Literature and Politics, pub. 23 Apr 1825, Portsmouth NH

Catsup Recipe as published in The Farmer’s Cabinet of Amherst, New Hampshire, on 16 September 1852
“To a gallon skinned tomatoes and 4 tablespoons of salt, 4 do. black pepper, half a spoonful allspice, 8 red peppers, and three spoonfuls mustard.  All these ingredients must be found find, and simmered very slowly in sharp vinegar so as to leave half a gallon of liquor when the process is over.  Strain thro’ a wire sieve, and bottle, and seal from the air. This may be used in two weeks, but improves by age, and will keep several years.”

Posted in Current Events, History, New Hampshire Glossary, New Hampshire Slanguage | Tagged , , | Leave a comment